# 10 Renewable Energy Trends to Watch for in 2021

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/02/renewable-energy-solar-10-trends-to-watch-for-in-2021/
- Published: 2021-02-04T13:22:34-05:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

Let’s talk renewable energy solar now. In many ways, 2020 was a breakout year for
renewables. Nationwide lockdowns minimized traffic, lowered the demand for gas, 
and cut electricity use across the country. At the same time, solar power, wind,
and other renewable energy sources stole the spotlight and experienced an upward
[trend](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/04/bush-reportedly-regrets-global-warming-energy-policy-decisions/)
in global growth.

Now, analysts and innovators are watching key trends to determine what the next 
few years will look like in terms of [clean energy and carbon emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/algenols-algae-energy-tape-bares-all/).

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IMG_0181.jpg?
resize=780%2C518&quality=52&ssl=1)

Both wind and solar power are renewable energy sources. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
com

## **1. Biden Suspends Oil and Gas Leasing**

President Joe [Biden](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/02/biden-administration-announces-billions-in-nationwide-electric-vehicle-network-investment/)
has pledged to transition away from fossil fuels and promote renewable energy. Within
his first few weeks in office, Biden [ordered a 60-day suspension](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/biden-suspends-oil-gas-leases-on-public-lands-for-60-days)
of leases for fossil fuel development and oil drilling on public lands.

Now, he’s calling for a rigorous review of existing practices to mitigate the climate
crisis and hopefully spark [clean energy investment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/solar-surge-drives-record-clean-energy-investment-in-2011/)
in 2021.

## **2. More Corporations Make Energy Goals like renewable energy solar**

[Companies like Amazon](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/amazon-ecuador-oil-sold-third-to-chinese/),
Google, and Apple have been leading the charge for renewables for years. Now, more
corporations are following suit [by creating sustainable energy goals](https://www.forbes.com/sites/blakemorgan/2019/08/26/101-companies-committed-to-reducing-their-carbon-footprint/?sh=60d30763260b).

Additionally, many are accomplishing carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions by 
replacing gas, coal, and [oil with renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/08/energy-dept-ready-to-tap-emergency-oil/).
This green alternative allows corporations to power their facilities and earn a 
good reputation among their peers and customers.

## **3. Countries Commit to Carbon Neutrality through Renewable Energy Solar and Wind**

Many countries, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom, 
have pledged to reach 100% carbon neutrality by 2050. Others, like China, are committed
to reaching this goal before 2060. Doing so would require at least a partial switch
to renewables to offset carbon emissions and minimize air pollution.

## **4. Internet of Things (IoT) and Big Data Grow**

The [Internet of Things and big data](https://environment.co/corporate-renewable-energy-goals/)
are constantly growing. In many ways, this technology can minimize waste and conserve
resources, such as paper. However, most technologies — like computers and Wi-Fi 
routers — also require energy. Now, companies are searching for more sustainable
ways to keep the world connected.

As [renewables become more affordable and conventional energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/chinas-renewable-energy-capacity-exceeds-expectations/)
prices rise, other alternatives will inevitably come into play.

## **5. Renewable Energy Solar Power Grids Become More Essential**

Overwhelmed and unreliable power grids are also prompting a quicker transition to
[renewable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/geothermal-energy-out-west-a-new-era-of-power/)
energy. Many regions frequently experience widespread outages due to weather, natural
disasters, and high demand.

Renewables offer an excellent alternative to conventional power grids because many
can still function in inclement weather and even grid outages if they have backup
batteries.

## **6. COVID-19 Renews Focus on Air Quality**

Last year, the world learned that aerosolized coronavirus can hang in the air for
[up to three hours](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center#:~:text=Aerosolized%20coronavirus%20can%20remain%20in,help%20prevent%20that%20spread.).
This fact alone has motivated thousands of businesses [to upgrade to HEPA filters](https://www.brookaire.com/why-choose-hepa-filters)
and stronger ventilation systems.

With a renewed focus on air quality, many are also beginning to question the safety
of outdoor air. Luckily, renewables promise a cleaner atmosphere and easier breathing,
making it an easy choice for millions of people.

## **7. Spain’s Renewable Energy Sector Grows**

In 2019, Spain installed 4.7 gigawatts of solar capacity and reclaimed the title
of Europe’s largest solar market. Most new installations consisted of large-scale
arrays. However, Spain’s sunny [climate and rapid solar energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/nuclear-energy-comeback-climate-solution-or-risky-distraction/)
returns are encouraging more people to purchase residential panels. This trend will
likely become even more popular in the coming years.

## **8. Battery Storage Capacity Increases**

Years ago, renewables were unable to adequately store energy, which is problematic
if they are to replace fossil fuel energy. Now, however, advances in lithium-ion
battery chemistry have made energy storage possible. California [is already building a storage facility](https://e360.yale.edu/features/in-boost-for-renewables-grid-scale-battery-storage-is-on-the-rise).
As battery prices continue to drop, more states will likely construct these storage
facilities as well.

## **9. Biofuel Will Rebound**

The coronavirus took a major toll on transport biofuel production. With lockdown
measures in place, people simply weren’t flying as much as before. This setback 
slowed the widespread adoption of biofuel, but it didn’t completely stop it, either.
If [COVID-19](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/israeli-hospital-mayanei-hayeshua-using-ultraviolet-light-to-destroy-covid-19/)
cases fall, biofuel will likely rebound to 2019 levels, which is good news for renewables
and the planet.

## **10. U.S. Plans to Add More Renewable Infrastructure**

Thanks to 2020 and the chaos it caused in the oil and gas industry, the U.S. is 
looking to add more renewable infrastructure in 2021. Overall, developers are planning
for 39.7 gigawatts of new electricity generation capacity, [70% of which will consist](https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=46416)
of solar and wind. Meanwhile, only 16% of new infrastructure will include plans 
for natural gas capacities.

## **2021 and Beyond**

When it comes to embracing renewable energy, 2021 is only the beginning. In the 
coming years, fossil fuels will become more expensive, less reliable, and alarmingly
unsustainable. As more people become aware of the problems surrounding oil and gas,
we’ll see even more quickly growing interest in [solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/u-s-secretary-of-energy-rick-perry-announces-105-million-in-new-funding-to-advance-solar-technologies/),
[wind](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/industry-experts-provide-perspective-of-expected-future-wind-plant-design/),
and other renewables.

**Author bio:**

Jane is the Editor-in-Chief of [Environment.co](https://environment.co/) and an 
environmental writer covering green technology, sustainability and environmental
news.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f30a82826ab5e40ae1efde55aa735f0579f0105f7692fc289aebf0d58584c37e?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 Eillin Delapaz

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/)